Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for chronic noncancer pain and prescription opioid use disorder: A qualitative pilot study of its feasibility and the perceived process of change.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to explore the feasibility and process of change during Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) in patients with chronic noncancer pain and opioid use disorder (OUD).
Results Summary
MBCT was not feasible for most patients due to barriers like timing, group format, and somatic complaints, but the four participants reported reduced opioid craving and improved pain coping.
Population
Hospitalized patients with chronic noncancer pain and OUD undergoing rotation to buprenorphine/naloxone.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mindfulness-based interventions | decrease | pain, craving, and well-being | patients with chronic pain and those with opioid use disorder (OUD) | - | have a positive impact on | #1 |
mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) | decrease | chronic noncancer pain combined with OUD | patients | - | might be a promising treatment for | #2 |
MBCT | decrease | opioid craving | The four MBCT participants | - | mentioned several important mechanisms of change, including reduction of | #3 |
MBCT | increase | pain | The four MBCT participants | - | mentioned several important mechanisms of change, including improved coping with | #4 |
BACKGROUND: Mindfulness-based interventions have a positive impact on pain, craving, and well-being in both patients with chronic pain and those with opioid use disorder (OUD). Although data are limited, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) might be a promising treatment for patients with chronic noncancer pain combined with OUD. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the feasibility and process of change during MBCT in this particular population. METHODS: In this qualitative pilot study, 21 patients who were hospitalized for rotation to buprenorphine/naloxone as agonist treatment for chronic pain and OUD were offered MBCT. Semistructured interviews were conducted to explore experienced barriers and facilitators to MBCT. Patients who participated in MBCT were also interviewed on their perceived process of change. RESULTS: Of 21 patients invited to participate in MBCT, 12 initially expressed interest but only four eventually participated in MBCT. The timing of the intervention, group format, somatic complaints, and practical difficulties were identified as the main barriers to participation. Facilitating factors included having a positive attribution toward MBCT, an intrinsic motivation to change, and practical support. The four MBCT participants mentioned several important mechanisms of change, including reduction of opioid craving and improved coping with pain. CONCLUSIONS: MBCT offered in the current study was not feasible for the majority of patients with pain and OUD. Changing the timing of MBCT by providing it at an earlier stage of the treatment and offering MBCT in an online format may facilitate participation.